Donaghrisk Churchyard, Cookstown, Co Tyrone

Christian burials have taken place at this old walled graveyard for over 1500 years, it is associated with St Patrick and the name Donaghrisk is said to mean the Church of the marshy ground. The graveyard has stone pillars and wall with ornamental iron gates. Access is via a maintained path for part of the way then cross open field to cemetery. The cemetery has a variety of headstones etc. and vault. Donaghrisk is the burial place of O’Hagan clan, they were custodians of Tullaghoge Fort and chief justices in the O’Neill political system. The historical inauguration ceremony at the Fort was conducted by the chief of the O’Hagans, who would place new shoes on the feet of the new O’Neill chief, followed by the throwing of a shoe over his head to indicate that he would follow in the footsteps of his distinguished ancestors who had borne the title of the “O’Neill.” He swore oaths to rule by Brehon Law (the ancient laws of Ireland) and to give up the throne if he became too old to rule. Inside the circular wall is the Lindsey vault, they settled at Loughry now site of Loughry college. Jonathan Swift stayed at Loughry Manor as a guest of the Lindsay family while writing Gulliver's Travels (published in 1726).